Too Late to Ghost Him — Ryan's Birthday Gift

Ryan was our high school classmate. He was nice. Too nice. The kind of nice that made me feel guilty because I knew exactly what it meant. When we arrived, Ryan's eyes lit up the second he saw me. I told you not to bring gifts. You gave me something expensive for my birthday. I wasn't going to show up

His smile faltered for half a second. You always keep score with me, Ella. I pretended not to understand. Sophia slung an arm around my shoulder, grinning at Ryan.

So which gift do you like more, mine or Ella's? Everyone laughed. Ryan's ears went red. He glanced at me again and again.

I elbowed Sophia. You know I don't like him like that. Don't encourage him. He's cute, loyal, why not?

Sophia only laughed harder. I opened my mouth.